The revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo finally has a successor. The throne has been vacant since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in 2022. Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade has been officially named the 46th Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. This historic appointment was announced on January 10, 2025, in a statement signed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Prince Owoade’s choice followed extensive consultations, divinations, and deliberations by the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo. The Oyomesi presented him as the most suitable candidate to lead the kingdom into a new era. The announcement has ended nearly three years of speculation, legal disputes, and social debates over the rightful heir to the prestigious throne.
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A Glance at the Legacy of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III
The former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, reigned for 52 years. This made him the longest-serving monarch in the history of the Oyo Empire. Ascending the throne in 1971 at the age of 31, he was a highly respected ruler known for his intellect, wisdom, and passion for Yoruba culture. Despite his advanced age, Oba Adeyemi maintained an active role in governance. He was also an influential voice in both traditional and modern politics.
The late monarch passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, after a brief illness. His death marked the end of an era, and his contributions to preserving Yoruba history and tradition remain a significant part of his legacy.
Who is the New Alaafin?
Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the newly appointed Alaafin, hails from the Owoade-Agunloye royal lineage in Oyo town. Born in 1978, he is the son of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade from the Agure Compound in Oyo. Prince Owoade’s father was instrumental in agricultural development in Oyo State through his work with the Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP).
The 47-year-old monarch brings a blend of modern experience and traditional values to his new role. His educational background and international exposure have shaped him into a well-rounded leader equipped to guide the Oyo Kingdom into the future.
Educational Journey and Career
Prince Owoade’s journey began at Baptist High School, Saki, where he completed his secondary education in 1992. Pursuing a passion for engineering, he earned a National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, between 1994 and 2001.
After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with Nigeria Gas Company in 2002, Prince Owoade briefly worked as a teller at Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri before relocating abroad to further his education.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science from Northumbria University in 2012. In 2015, he also acquired a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to enhance his professional expertise.
Professional Life Abroad
Before returning to Nigeria, Prince Owoade had a thriving career abroad. He worked as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow, Scotland. He later relocated to Canada, where he currently serves as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading utility provider.
Beyond his engineering career, he is a successful entrepreneur. He is the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services company in Canada.
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A Visionary Leader with Philanthropic Roots
Prince Owoade is known for his professional achievements and philanthropic efforts. He has actively supported initiatives to empower widows, widowers, and underprivileged youth. His leadership in Yoruba cultural organizations abroad reflects his deep connection to his roots and commitment to preserving the Yoruba heritage.
Vision for the Oyo Kingdom
The new Alaafin is expected to bring a modern touch to the throne while preserving the rich traditions of the Oyo Empire. His agenda includes:
- Empowering Widows and Widowers: Creating support systems to uplift vulnerable members of society.
- Modernizing the Palace: Enhancing the infrastructure of the palace without compromising its historical significance.
- Promoting Yoruba Culture: Establishing a museum for Yoruba artifacts and cultural education.
- Economic Development: Boosting commerce and trade in Oyo town.
- Youth Empowerment: Creating vocational training programs to address unemployment and foster skill development.
Public Reception and Expectations
The announcement of Prince Owoade’s appointment has been met with widespread excitement and optimism. Citizens of Oyo State and stakeholders in the Yoruba community are hopeful that his reign will usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and cultural renaissance.
As the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Owoade has big shoes to fill. However, his diverse background, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to community development position him as a monarch who can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
The date for his official coronation will be announced after consultations with traditional and official stakeholders. It will mark the beginning of what many anticipate will be a transformative reign for the Oyo Kingdom.
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